“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”
~ Muhammad Ali~
There are many valuable things in life but friendship is one of the most important relationships one can have. The ability to make and keep good friends is important throughout life, and much of that ability develops as early as childhood. In our daily lives, friends provide a basic source of happiness, as well as a source of support in difficult and challenging times. However, close friendships do not happen by accident, there are certain desires that assist in development of meaningful and lasting friendships.
The International Day of Friendship promotes the role that each and every one of us plays in upholding peace and harmony in many cultures around the world. This day is observed annually on 30th of July and is based on the recognition of friendship not only in the general sense but also both its relevance and importance. It is also a reminder filled with valuable sentiments in the lives of human beings.
The International Day of Friendship has been celebrated in several South American countries for many years, particularly in Paraguay, where the first World Friendship Day was proposed back in 1958. In 2011, the United Nations proclaimed the International Day of Friendship to inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities from different backgrounds amongst people, countries, and regions. The Day is also intended to support the goals and objectives of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).
The World Assembly of Youth (WAY), encourage all stakeholders, youth inclusive, to organise activities that shall promote harmony, mutual understanding and reconciliation among all. It is through such activities that young people and youth leaders from different cultures, backgrounds and occupations would cherish and cultivate a common interest in accomplishing the wellbeing of all, worldwide. During their activities, new friendships are born, as young people and relevant stakeholders work together to tackle different youth issues and advocate their rights. Therefore, in this day, they urge young people to engender many sparks of beautiful friendships and promote understanding and respect for diversity among each other.
Let us remember the ties that bind us together, regardless of our race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or borders. To live life without the experience of friendship is life without living. Let us cultivate solidarity and pursue true and lasting friendship.
Happy International Day of Friendship!
